Trial begins for man accused of Columbia sexual assault

Jury selection was underway for a Jefferson City man accused of sexual assault in Boone County.

Jemell Butler is charged with sodomy, robbery, and armed criminal action.

Both the defense and prosecution got to opening arguments Tuesday afternoon.

Prosecutors said Butler attempted to sodomize a woman he met online where he arranged for her to have sex with him for $1,000.

The two apparently drove back behind a realty business on I-70 Drive Southwest, where Butler threatened her with a knife to perform a sex act.

Investigators said when Butler put the knife down to pull down his pants, the woman grabbed the knife and Butler cut his hand.

He then scrambled out of the car where Columbia Police caught him at the University Subaru parking lot.

Butler’s attorney argued that it was actually the woman who drew the knife.

The defense argued that when Butler couldn’t pay her, she threatened him, slashing at him.

Butler’s attorney argued that the woman changed her story several times, while Butler stuck to his story from the start.

Boone County prosecutors said the trial should last about 2 days.